Veterinarians prescribe potassium or sodium bromide to control seizures in epileptic dogs. Potassium bromide, usually the first choice in treatment, replenishes chloride and accumulates in body fluids over time. If seizures are life-threatening and treatment is needed immediately, veterinarians start a loading dose of bromide higher than they would for milder cases of epilepsy. For non life-threatening epilepsy, the dose is gradually increased to a therapeutic level over three to four months. While bromide poisoning is rare, it can occur in dogs with kidney impairment or those prescribed a high dose.
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Function
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Potassium bromide decreases seizure activity by "depressing neuronal activity and excitability," says Barbara Forney, DVM. The drug is typically well absorbed orally and then excreted by the kidneys. Management of the dose requires measuring the drug level in the dog's serum regularly to avoid bromide toxicosis, or bromism.
Bromism-Bromide Poisoning
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Bromism is the result of chronic overdose, according to Forney, while acute overdose is rare. Signs of bromide poisoning include "neurologic signs of lethargy, disorientation, delirium and ataxia," or unsteady gait, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Bromide toxicity should be treated immediately to promote renal excretion, Forney says.
Kidney Impaired Dogs Especially at Risk
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Dogs with renal insufficiency should avoid bromide in any form, according to Merck. If uremia is present or other nitrogen-type wastes as part of kidney impairment, veterinarians typically reduce the starting dose by half, according to Merck to avoid the risk of poisoning.
Diets High in Salt Can Predispose Dogs to Bromism
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Dogs on low-salt diets or that have restricted sodium intake can be more susceptible to bromide toxicity, Wedgewood Pharmacy warns.
Other Side Effects
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Other signs of poisoning include extreme sedation, stupor and muscles spasms. Typically reducing the bromide dose by 10 to 25 percent reduces these symptoms, according to Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels.
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